Search +AI Discovery Manager

The purpose of this role is to define the strategy of assigned clients, taking in account their specific characteristics and establishing synergies between SEO and other marketing/communication actions. Job Description: We're looking for a sharp, AI-fluent SEO leader ready to take on a high-impact role with global enterprise clients. If you've been operating as a Senior SEO Specialist or SEO Lead and want a move that expands your strategic visibility, client influence, and exposure to AI-driven search, this role is built for you. As a Search +AI Discovery Manager , you'll lead client engagements, mentor a growing Search +AI Discovery team, and help shape how our practice navigates the shift from traditional search to AI-driven discovery (SGE, AI Overviews, Agentic, and LLM-based search). This role is ideal for someone who is deeply hands-on in SEO but ready to elevate into broader strategy, client advisory, and team leadership. Based anywhere in Canada, you'll work primarily on EST or PST hours (strong preference to EST) alongside our North American and global client teams and collaborate with cross-functional partners across regions. What You'll Lead & Own Client Leadership & Strategy Act as the strategic SEO lead for enterprise-level clients across North America and global markets. Build strong, trusted relationships with client stakeholders and become a long-term advisor. Turn complex SEO and AI-driven search concepts into clear, actionable, and measurable recommendations. Drive performance outcomes and ensure SEO is directly tied to business growth. Team Leadership & Development Lead, mentor, and coach a team of SEO Specialists and Consultants across North America. Provide structured feedback, support career development, and help elevate technical and strategic skillsets. Contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing training for new team members. Operational Excellence Partner closely with leadership to strengthen internal processes, documentation standards, and delivery frameworks. Oversee best-in-class execution across technical SEO, content, and authority-building initiatives. Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Analytics, Paid Media, UX, and Development on integrated programs. Innovation & Thought Leadership Stay ahead of global SEO trends, search evolution, and AI/SGE advancements — and bring those insights back to the team and clients. Contribute to the development of new methodologies, tools, and innovation within the SEO practice. Lead internal knowledge-sharing sessions, trainings, and contribute ideas for thought leadership content. Qualifications We're Looking For 5-7+ years of SEO experience, ideally within an agency or enterprise environment. Strong hands-on expertise in technical SEO, content strategy, and analytics platforms (GA4, GSC, Adobe, Looker Data Studio, or similar) — be ready to walk us through a specific technical audit or migration you led, strategy, and the measurable outcome . Hands-on experience adapting strategy for AI-driven search — generative engines, AI Overviews, LLM-based discovery, agentic discovery. We're looking for people who have actually tested , measured, or shipped against these surfaces, not just read about them . Proven experience presenting to clients and influencing senior stakeholders — expect to share a specific example where your recommendation changed a client's roadmap or investment . Strong project management skills; able to juggle multiple clients, timelines, and priorities. Experience leading or mentoring team members and supporting their growth. Comfortable collaborating with global teams and working across time zones. What Makes You a Great Fit You're a strategic thinker who can also roll up your sleeves when needed. You enjoy coaching and developing talent, not just managing tasks. You have a consultative mindset and are confident leading conversations with C-level and senior stakeholders. You're proactive, solution-oriented, and comfortable operating with autonomy. You're genuinely curious about the future of search and how AI is reshaping discovery. You’ve actually read this job description . In your application , tell us one thing about AI-driven search you ’ve tested or implemented in the last six months , generic cover letters get filtered out. Why You'll Love Working With Us Work with top-tier global brands on advanced SEO and AI-search challenges that go well beyond the Canadian market. Fully remote across Canada, with optional hybrid access in major hubs (Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal). Competitive base salary and comprehensive health, dental, and vision benefits from day one. RRSP matching and a generous paid time-off policy, including paid time off between Christmas and New Year. Collaboration with a global team of specialists across data, creative, media, and engineering. For Canadian Applicants: Additional information Vacancy : Is this posting for the purposes of filling an existing vacancy? [ Y /N] The salary range for this position is $85,000-$100,000. Actual salary within the salary range will be based on a variety of factors including relevant experience, knowledge, and skills. A range of medical, dental, RRSP, paid time off, and/or other benefits also are available to all permanent employees. AI Disclosure : [dentsu] utilizes artificial intelligence tools as part of its recruitment process. During the sourcing and screening stages. All other parts of the dentsu application and hiring processes do not utilize artificial intelligence tools. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds foster a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better business results. We strive to create workplaces that reflect the clients we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to working with our candidates from all ability levels throughout the recruitment process to ensure that they have what they need to be at their best. If you need accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected] or to begin a conversation about your individual accessibility needs throughout the hiring process. For US applicants: The annual base salary range for this position is $85,000-$95,000. Placement within the salary range is based on a variety of factors, including relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and other factors permitted by law. Additionally, this position is eligible for discretionary incentive compensation. Benefits available with this position include: • Medical, vision, and dental insurance, • Life insurance, • Short-term and long-term disability insurance, • 401k, • Flexible paid time off, • At least 15 paid holidays per year, • Paid sick and safe leave, and • Paid parental leave. Dentsu also complies with applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, in accordance with its plans and policies. For more information regarding dentsu benefits, please visit www.dentsubenefitsplus.com. To begin the application process, please click on the “Apply” button at the top of this job posting. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and qualified candidates will be contacted for next steps. At dentsu, we believe great work happens when we’re connected. Our way of working combines flexibility with in-person collaboration to spark ideas and strengthen our teams. Employees who live within a commutable distance of one of our hub offices, currently located in Chicago, metro Detroit, Los Angeles, and New York City, are required and expected to work from the office three days per week (two days per week for employees based in Los Angeles). Dentsu may designate other Hub offices at any time. Those who live outside a commutable range may be designated as remote, depending on the role and business needs. Regardless of your work location, we expect our employees to be flexible to meet the needs of our Company and clients, which may include attendance in an office. #LI-MS3 #LI-Remote Location: Ontario – Remote Brand: Merkle Time Type: Full time Contract Type: Permanent